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Overview

A truly unforgettable adventure

Returning from one of our Patagonia Expeditions years ago, our tour manager proclaimed South America’s southernmost region “the most beautiful place on earth.” Since then, Patagonia has become one of the most sought-after assignments in our office. The verdict from our other staffers who have snagged this assignment?

Patagonia truly is a land of stunning landscapes—towering mountain ranges, massive glacier fields, sapphire and aquamarine lakes, and rugged coastlines populated by elephant seals. Make this the year you travel with us to Patagonia where the southern end of the Western Hemisphere and the Pacific and Atlantic oceans converge to create one of the world’s most glorious displays of nature and topography!

Dates

April 4–17, 2024

Duration

14 days

Price

From $12,295 per person

Trip size

37 participants

Minimum age

18 years
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Faculty leader

A different kind of classroom

With renowned Stanford faculty and scholars leading the way, every Travel/Study trip is a one-of-a-kind educational experience.

Lynn Orr, '69

Energy Science and Engineering

Lynn has worked on energy research for his entire career in both academic and administrative positions, including a two-year assignment as Under Secretary for Science and Energy at the U.S. Department of Energy.

Professor Orr gives approachable, interesting lectures that will leave you inspired to learn more about the area you’re visiting.

—Gretchen Wyatt, ’92

Itinerary

An expedition to the end of the Earth

Journey to South America's southernmost region and revel in the array of stunning landscapes. Cruise along the fjords of Tierra del Fuego and hike in Torres del Paine National Park. Bookend the trip with time in Buenos Aires and a visit to a nearby gaucho town at the start of our journey, and a tour of Santiago at the end.

  • Buenos Aires, Argentina

    Check in to our hotel, located in the upscale Recoleta district.

    Accommodations:

    Sofitel Buenos Aires Recoleta

  • Buenos Aires

    After a morning at leisure, venture to the colorful Boca and San Telmo neighborhoods of Buenos Aires for a private tour of the 16th-century El Zanjon de Granados, the oldest building in Buenos Aires. This evening, attend a welcome reception and private tango performance, followed by dinner at our hotel.

    Accommodations:

    Sofitel Buenos Aires Recoleta

    Included meals: Breakfast and dinner
  • San Antonio De Areco

    Venture outside the city to nearby San Antonio de Areco, a gaucho town that dates back to the early 18th century. Visit the renowned silver museum, Museo Draghi, and watch as modern artists employ guarded techniques that have been passed down from family member to family member. Continue on to a private estancia for a savory Argentine barbecue. After lunch, meet with gauchos and watch as they demonstrate their equine skills, all of which they still use in their daily lives. Return to Buenos Aires this afternoon for an evening at leisure.

    Accommodations:

    Sofitel Buenos Aires Recoleta

    Included meals: Breakfast and lunch
  • Buenos Aires / Ushuaia

    Spend the morning exploring the central and northern parts of Buenos Aires, including visits to the capital city’s main square, Plaza de Mayo, with its neoclassical cathedral; the presidential palace and seat of the national government known as the Casa Rosada (or “Pink House''); the verdant parks and gardens of the Palermo district and the famous Recoleta cemetery. Catch an afternoon flight to Ushuaia, set on the Beagle Channel and backed by snow-capped mountains.

    Accommodations:

    Arakur Hotel

    Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
  • Tierra Del Fuego / Embarkation

    This morning, we hike through the forest of Cerro Alarken Natural Reserve, famous for its austere beauty. After lunch back in town, visit the End of the World Museum, dedicated to preserving the history of Tierra del Fuego.  Then embark the Ventus Australis and cruise along the Beagle Channel, named for the ship that carried Charles Darwin on his momentous voyage. Watch for fabled albatrosses and giant petrels as they soar above the ship’s wake.

    Accommodations:

    Ventus Australis

    Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
  • Cape Horn, Chile / Wulaia Bay

    Weather permitting, ride Zodiacs to the legendary Cabo de Hornos (Cape Horn) for a panoramic view from the southernmost tip of South America. Later, we anchor at Wulaia Bay, once home to the region’s largest native settlement and one of the places where Charles Darwin landed during his voyage. Choose one of three hikes to explore the spectacular beauty of the Magellanic forest.

    Accommodations:

    Ventus Australis

    Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
  • Pia Glacier and Porter Glacier

    Today, disembark in Pia Fjord to experience the Pia Glacier up close. After a brief hike, take in panoramic views of the spectacular glacier. Back aboard our ship, cruise further west along the Beagle Channel and board Zodiacs, navigating between high rocky cliffs to Porter Glacier, where we stop to admire its formidable mass.

    Accommodations:

    Ventus Australis

    Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
  • Agostini Sound / Águila Glacier / Condor Glacier

    This morning, enter Agostini Sound, where we disembark our ship and enjoy a gentle walk around the glacial meltwater lagoon near the base camp of the 20th-century explorer and missionary, Father Alberto María de Agostini. Arrive at the foot of the Águila Glacier and marvel at its kaleidoscope of blue hues. This afternoon, while approaching the Condor Glacier via Zodiac, keep an eye out for the Andean Condor, abundant in this area.

    Accommodations:

    Ventus Australis

    Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
  • Marta Island / Punta Arenas / Disembarkation / Torres Del Paine

    This morning, ride Zodiacs to Marta Island, home to a colony of South American Sea Lions. Disembark our ship in Punta Arenas and continue by bus across the southern pampas. Check in to the stunning Explora Lodge in Torres del Paine National Park, our home for the next four nights.

    Accommodations:

     Explora Lodge

    Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
  • to

    Torres Del Paine

    Enjoy three full days exploring southern Chile’s most impressive region, Torres del Paine National Park. Visit Grey Lake with its incredibly blue ice sculptures shaped by the elements and Salto Grande, a glacial waterfall set amid stunning views of the majestic Paine Massif. Each day, choose from a variety of activities. Hike through beech forests along the shore of Laguna Azul; enjoy a horseback ride through the windswept pampas; look for herds of guanacos and rheas, flocks of flamingos, soaring condors, foxes, and black-necked swans on a photo safari; and take advantage of Explora Lodge’s relaxing amenities while enjoying spectacular views of the Paine Massif. We cap off our stay with a festive Patagonian barbecue.

    Accommodations:

     Explora Lodge

    Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
  • Torres Del Paine / Punta Arenas / Santiago

    Drive this morning to Punta Arenas for our flight to Santiago, stopping for lunch along the way. Upon arrival in Santiago, check in to our hotel and enjoy an evening at leisure.

    Accommodations:

    Mandarin Oriental Hotel

    Included meals: Breakfast and lunch
  • Santiago / Home

    Today’s exploration of Santiago includes a walk through its historic center and a visit to the Museum of Pre-Columbian Art. Toast the conclusion of our journey during a farewell wine tasting and lunch at Santa Rita Winery. Later, transfer to the airport for homeward bound overnight flights.

    Accommodations:

    Mandarin Oriental Hotel

    Included meals: Breakfast and lunch

Trip details

Start preparing for the trip of a lifetime

From top to bottom, we’ve taken care of all the details, so you can enjoy a no-stress, worry-free travel experience.

Pricing

Secure your spot today

The price of your trip covers a comprehensive educational program in addition to meals, accommodations, tours and excursions. Continue reading for a full list of what’s included.

Category A

Outside facing cabin on the Magallanes Deck with one double or two twin beds, a large window, an en-suite bathroom, individual temperature controls and a closet. (178 sq. ft.)

  • Double: $12,295 per person

  • Single: $15,595 per person

Category AA

Outside facing cabin on the Tierra del Fuego Deck with one double or two twin beds, a large window, an en-suite bathroom, individual temperature controls and a closet. (178 sq. ft.)

  • Double: $13,295 per person

  • Single: $16,595 per person

Category AAA

Outside facing cabin on the Cabo de Hornos Deck with one double or two twin beds, a large window, an en-suite bathroom, individual temperature controls and a closet. (178 sq. ft.)

  • Double: $14,095 per person

  • Single: $17,395 per person

Join us in Patagonia

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